Thinking Physics: Understandable Practical Reality

Book Description

Lewis Carroll Epstein explains deep ideas in physics in an easy-to-understand way. Thinking Physics is a perfect beginner’s guide to an amazingly wide range of physics-related questions. The book targets topics that science teachers and students spend time wondering about, like wing lift. Epstein elucidates the familiar but misunderstood — such as how tides work — along with more obscure but fascinating phenomena like the “Bernoulli sub” and the “artificial aurora” created by hydrogen bombs. Broken into many short sections and peppered with Epstein’s own playful hand-drawn illustrations, the book does not simply give the right answer: It also goes into the answers that seem right but are wrong and shows why they are wrong — a rarity in science books. Thinking Physics is a rigorously correct, lighthearted, and cleverly designed Q and A book for physicists of all ages.

Customer Reviews:

A must for every teacher.......2007-07-16

Simple, but non trivial, conceptual problems with clear, insightful, elegant solutions without math. For everyday use to challenge students' minds.

Really makes you think........2007-01-10

Think you know physics? The simple questions posed in this book will show you if you do. It is approachable enough for a lay person to pick it up and take a crack at it. The solutions give great insight for the seasoned physicists and newbies.

Elegant, brilliant answers.......2005-09-16

Epstein presents a bunch of physics problems, and solves them all -- almost without any math -- with clear, insightful, elegant solutions. A brilliant book useful from grade 10 to grad school.

Very Useful Book.......2004-05-14

No, this isn't a perfect book. Some of Lewis' explanations are a bit vague and some are incomplete but despite these minor flaws this book does a wonderful job of explaining important concepts of physics in very simple terms.

I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book. Oh yes, it's a fun read too!

teachs you how to think about physics problems.......2003-12-03

I like this book because it has interesting and motivating physics problems that can be solved without math, but with just carefull thinking on the truly physical aspects and principles. I do not mean that math should not be used in physics books, nor that all physics problems can be solved without math, but problems that do not need math are also very interesting and should be taught; this book is very good in doing that. I think this book would be very useful in high school (as complement to conventional books) because it would have great effect on kids's mental habits and rational thinking.

I am sure that if you are not a professional physicist but you like physics, like me, you will enjoy with this book. The only one thing I do not like from this book is that answers are written upside down. It deserves 5 stars.

Electronic Structure: Basic Theory and Practical Methods

Average customer rating:

A Gr8 Book on DFT Concepts
Excellent book
Not impressive
Outstanding

Electronic Structure: Basic Theory and Practical Methods
Richard M. Martin
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521782856

Book Description

The study of the electronic structure of materials is at a momentous stage, with the emergence of new computational methods and theoretical approaches. This volume provides an introduction to the field and describes its conceptual framework, the capabilities of present methods, limitations, and challenges for the future. Many properties of materials can now be determined directly from the fundamental equations of quantum mechanics, bringing new insights into critical problems in physics, chemistry, and materials science.

Customer Reviews:

A Gr8 Book on DFT Concepts.......2007-07-05

I like this book and would recommend it to any beginner into density functional theory. It explains all the modern electronic structure techniques in a rather simple language. Its much more easier and quicker than going into hundreds of papers and not knowing where to start.

The biggest issue with this book is a rather poor organisational structure to the book. That's why I've given it a 4/5 rating. There are some concepts that have been easily thrown in at the end, into the appendices.. and having to turn pages too frequently can be annoying.

But the good work has been done & I'd ask Mr Martin to re-organise the content.

This book has the potential to be a classic.

Excellent book.......2006-03-21

As a graduate student attempting to learn density functional theory and its use in computer programmes, I have found this book to be an excellent addition to my library. Well structured and written.

Not impressive.......2005-06-30

Although the topics the book embrasses are current and essential for practising chemists, physisists and materials scientists the pedagogic care with which it explains some of the topics is poor.

The author makes the assumption that the reader is familiarized with the heavy mathematical formalism and notation which is commonplace in specialized physics articles but fails to remember that graduate students that don't have a physics background, and come from other schools of thought such as chemistry, biochemistry or materials science, might be target readers.

For instance the book's introduction to Hartree-Fock theory must be the most complicated I've ever seen with constant recourse to Dirac's delta function (without even revealing its presence, stating simply that it should be there). The link between DFT and statistical thermodynamics although interesting is not essential for the heart of the discussion. Some classic program applications like Siesta are presented but you get the feeling that it's just for show off.

All in all if you're a physicist with some years of experience in the field of planewave computation you might find the book interesting.

Otherwise if you're a beginner like me forget it! The book by Efthimios Kaxiras (Atomic and Electronic Structure of Solids) is more revealing and pedagogic and supplies every detail in the mathematical formalism. Some physicists with a more chemical sensitivity such as Harrison, chemists such as Roald Hoffmann, Jeremy Burdett or Michael Springborg or materials scientists like Adrian Sutton or David Pettifor are better suited for the novice.

Outstanding.......2004-07-07

This book was recommended to me to help me in my research, and has turned out to be one of the best recommendations I have ever received. This is a great book; by far the best I have come across on the topic of computing the properties of condensed phase materials by quantum mechanical simulations. Here are the reasons why.

1. The chapters are well laid out and one chapter flows neatly to the next.

2. The math is kept to a minimum; the author makes a point of communicating important principles and ideas in concise sentences without resorting to derivations. This is ideal for engineers like me; who by training do not know that much math as compared to physicists who specialize in the solid state.

3. Important ideas are clarified up front. Many texts will lead the reader through long and windy paths of proofs and logic before arriving at the conclusion; thereby losing their reader in the process. Not here; important points are stated clearly at the beginning and at the end of each section.

4. Compare, contrast, and context. There are many ideas, models, approximations, and theorems that have been developed in the past century related to electronic structure. Many of these are closely related to each other in their inspiration, derivation, practice, and/or applications. This book makes the connections between the different concepts. For a non-expert reading through the electronic structure literature, terms like APW, OPW, PAW, LAPW, LMTO, etc... can be quite confusing if not placed within an overriding context. This book provides that context.

5. Good use of appendices. Electronic structure is a lot like politics; most practicioners in either field did not receive formal educations in the subject, but instead got into it under the apprenticeship of other people. This is reflected by a lot of literature by those who succeeded in the field; most of it good in showing of the authors' achievements, but generally useless in preparing the next generation of practicioners. For electronic structure, this is manifested by the many books that require prior knowledge of quantum, thermo, crystallography, mat sci, etc.. In effect, these books were written by experts to be read by other experts. Not this book. Basic ideas are kept in the text; and specific proofs and derivations are kept in the appendices. The result is a text that is much easier to read than most others.

6. The book is concept driven; not application driven. Most texts in materials simulations are actually a compilation of chapters written independently by multiple authors. Each chapter might be given a general title; but the text will be bias towards the research of its authors. For example, a chapter on surface calculations might focus entirely on adsorption, or relaxation/reconstruction, or optical properties; but surely not touching all these subjects. This book does not do this; each chapter is driven by basic concepts, and one concept leads to the next.

Book Description

Providing insider viewpoints and perspectives unavailable in any other text, this book presents useful guidelines and tools to produce effective coatings and films. Covering subjects ranging from materials selection and process development to successful system construction and optimization, it contains expanded discussions on design visualization, dense wavelength division multiplexing, new coating equipment, electrochromic and chemically active coatings, ion-assisted deposition, and optical monitoring sensitivity. Furnishing real-world examples and know-how, the book introduces Fourier analysis and synthesis without difficult mathematical concepts and equations.

Customer Reviews:

One indispensable volume for a thin film maker.......2002-11-02

Almost all knowledges about the manufacturing of an optical thin film are coverd.Especially bibliograpy is substantial.Although most required things have gathered, they are good.About the theoretical portion of the characteristic of a thin film, explanation is by for beginners a little.Although there is nothing, since there are some which explained it mostly, they do not become a problem.
As the 2nd book,it is indispensable to those who are going to study the optical thin film.
In a thin film maker's bookshelf,It is one volume which should be equipped with and placed.

Practical Conversion of Zero-Point Energy

Average customer rating:

not a very good book
Practical applications, not sure about conclusions
Only good for advanced Physicists
Practical technology ideas for converting zero-point energy

Practical Conversion of Zero-Point Energy
Thomas F. Valone
Manufacturer: Integrity Research Instititue
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0964107082
Release Date: 2005-07-01

Product Description

The authoritative guide to the latest developments, tools, and physics behind the only inexhaustible source of energy for the future. Revised edition of a year-long "Feasibility Study of the Extraction of Zero-Point Energy from the Quantum Vacuum for the Performance of Useful Work." Profusely illustrated and professionally researched with almost 300 references by a noted expert in the science of zero-point energy.

Customer Reviews:

not a very good book.......2007-05-18

This book has numerous typos, incomplete sentances and formatting problems. The bulk of the content is in the form of inconclusive scientific formulas with poor descriptions of their significance. They are not tangible to anyone without a PhD in quantum physics and mathematics, and many of them are quite simply incorrect. Zero Point energy is a truly fascinating topic and there are many excellent books about it, but this one just barely gets to stay in my library, simply as a collection of detailed formulas, some of which are very good and some of which are not.

Practical applications, not sure about conclusions.......2007-05-04

The most important aspect of this book, for me, is its discussion of the existence of zero-point energy. The first hurdle is for scientists to agree that there is an unknown force that affects their experiments. If this force can be tapped into, then we can have essentiall 'free energy.'

With a background in economics (not physics) I do agree with many other readers about the text being complicated, but it's a feasability study not an instruction manual. My recommendation is to follow the book with Valone's presentation on Google Video. That helped me understand some of the more complicated experiments that were conducted.

Things I liked about the book:
Practical, real world examples
Proof that zero-point energy exists and we've known it all along
Flurry of references to patents and inventors

Things I didn't like so much:
Extremely technical discussions
Conclusion to the extent that it's more feasible with nano and micro tecnhnology

What is interesting is the author (in the video) speaks of nano-machines that have already been created, but lack a nano-source of continuous energy - which I had never even considered (i.e. they have the machines, but no way to power them).

There's a video class that can be bought (search google) called "Physics for Non-Scientists" that I think is an excellent precurser to reading this book.

Only good for advanced Physicists.......2007-04-05

This book was prepared more for the Physics teachers at a university level than for average people who are expecting to get information they can work with.
The information is strictly dealt with at a research level, and not at a practical level as the title intimates. The examples cited deal with many particles at a molecular and nano level, not very useful for the backyard scientist.Example ;vacuum polarization is, however, a relativistic effect involving electron positron pairs as the hole-theoretic interpretation assumes; a electrostatic field causes a redistribution of charge in the Dirac sea and thus polarizes the vacuum. Okay, so i'm dumb! Paul

Practical technology ideas for converting zero-point energy.......2005-08-26

Today this country faces a destabilizing dependency on irreplaceable fossil fuels which are also rapidly dwindling. As shortages of oil and natural gas occur with more frequency, the "New Energy Crisis" is now heralded in the news media (Time, Newsweek, National Geographic) more often than ever. However, an alternate source of energy that can replace fossil fuels has not been reliably demonstrated. A real need exists for a portable source of power that can compete with fossil fuel and its energy density. A further need exists on land, in the air, and in space, for a fueless source of power which, by definition, does not require re-fueling. The future freedom, and quite possibly the future survival, of mankind depend on the utilization of such a source of energy, if it exists. This book proves that zero-point energy is known to exist and offers all of the avenues for its application to solve the energy crisis.

Yet, none of the world's physicists or engineers are participating in any national or international energy development project, such as advocated by the Apollo Alliance, that would extend beyond nuclear power. It is painfully obvious that zero-point energy does not appear to most scientists as the robust source of energy worth developing. Therefore, an aim of this feasibility study is to provide a clear understanding of the basic principles of the only known candidate for a limitless, fueless source of power: zero-point energy. Another purpose is to look at the practical energy conversion methods that are realistically available to modern engineering, including emerging nanotechnology, for the possible use of zero-point energy.

Based on a year of research and submitted as his doctoral thesis, the Practical Conversion of Zero-Point Energy feasibility study is a masterful, comprehensive work, with almost 300 references. Revised and updated for 2005, it represents the cutting edge of practical zero-point energy conversion technology. A summary of all of the major topics discussed in the book are listed below:

TABLE 3 - Vacuum Engineer's Toolkit
--------------------------------------------------------------
Each entry contains "Tool" - "Effect" - "Page"
--------------------------------------------------------------
Aperiodic quantum stochastic resonance (AQSR) - Generates electrical current from nonthermal and thermal fluctuations - p.65-67
Brownian motors - Biases Brownian motion of particles, often in an anisotropic medium - p.58
Casimir engine - Electrical current generator designed by Pinto using a microcantilever, microlaser and Casimir force - p.44-47
Casimir force - Attractive (or repulsive) force from two parallel plates about 1 micron apart - pgs.6, 18, 50
Cavity QED - Alters atomic transition probability in small cavities - p.20
Dark energy - ZPE that powers galactic acceleration, also measured in the lab - p.67
Dielectric constant of surface - Affects Casimir force when illuminated by light pgs.45, 52, 53
Einstein-Hopf drag - Retarding force from vacuum due to motion (F= -Rv) - p.55
Electromagnetic ZPE Converter - Dual sphere device using beat frequencies to downshift ZPE - pgs.27-44
Femtosphere - Particle size where QM and Rutherford scattering applies - pgs.40-44
Fluctuation-Dissipation theorem - Source+dissipation=fluctuation; Predicts and explains fundamental nature of ZPF - pgs.11, 57
Fluctuation-driven transport - mechanism that can convert chemical energy into motion of particles and macromolecules - p.58
Focusing vacuum fluctuations - Increases energy density of ZPE and attractive Casimir force - p.48-49
Fokker-Planck equation - Can apply to ferrofluid system to predict noise-driven motion of particles - p.64
Langevin's equation - Like F-D theorem, helps design Brownian motors - pgs.58, 63
Lasing without inversion (LWI) - Sustained laser output from microlasers which have long radiation cavity lifetime - p.56
Magnetic field - Inhibits Casimir force - p.20
Microbox geometry - Varies Casimir force from + attractive to - repulsive - pgs.50-51
Microcantilever - Flexible membrane that displays Casimir deflection - pgs.44, 49
Microlaser - Solid state laser 2 microns across - p.46
Nonresonant ion trap - Electrfied cavity that concentrates charged particles - p.44
Photo-Carnot engine - Allows extraction of work from a single thermal reservoir where radiation is the working fluid - p.56
Quantum coherence - Changes relative strengths of emission and absorption in a cavity - p.57
Quantum ratchet - Repeating cells that move particles with fluctuation-driven transport - pgs.59-60
Recoil - Increases the energy of a dipole, associated with photon absorption and emission, both of which are in the same direction! - p. 55
Rectifying thermal noise - Generates electrical current with asymmetric external potential - p.64
Resonance - Can trap scattering particles into bound state - p.42
Resonant fluorescence - Dramatically increases absorption when incident energy equals binding energy of target - p.41
Sonoluminescence - ZPE caused light emission due to extreme temperature and pressure - p.21
Spatial squeezing of vacuum - Can double photon emission from cavity by changing dimensions abruptly - p.48
Temperature - Increase will broaden resonance peak - p.39
Thermal fluctuations/noise - temperature-caused stochastic oscillations and vibrations - pgs.62-63
Time-dependent refractive index - Causes part of ZPE to convert to real photons - p.53
Transient fluctuation theorem - Nonzero probability for negative work for short periods of time - p.61
Unruh-Davies Effect - Acceleration causes ZPE to create thermal fluctuations - p.53
Upscattering - Gain of energy to incident particle up to 10 kT energy - p.39
Vacuum field amplification - Increases quantum nonthermal noise with a gain medium - p.67
Vacuum field perturbations - Nonabelian EM field may alter speed of light/object - p.55
Vacuum polarization - Increase in local activity in the quantum vacuum near the edge of a physical charged particle - p.10

Hands-On Electronics: A Practical Introduction to Analog and Digital Circuits

Average customer rating:

Impractical for the hobbyist

Hands-On Electronics: A Practical Introduction to Analog and Digital Circuits
Daniel M. Kaplan , and Christopher G. White
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521893518

Book Description

Packed full of real circuits to build and test, Hands-on Electronics is an unique introduction to analog and digital electronics theory and practice. Ideal for teaching and self-study, the book's friendly style, clear illustrations and construction details encourage rapid and effective learning of analog and digital circuit design theory. All the major topics are covered including RC circuits, diodes, transistors, op-amps, oscillators, TTL logic, counters, D/A converters and more. It explains how to use the equipment needed for the examples (oscilloscope, multimeter and breadboard) together with pin-out diagrams and manufacturers' specifications for all the key components referred to in the book.

Download Description

Packed full of real circuits to build and test, Hands-On Electronics is a unique introduction to analog and digital electronics theory and practice. Ideal both as a college textbook and for self-study, the friendly style, clear illustrations and construction details included in the book encourage rapid and effective learning of analog and digital circuit design theory. All the major topics for a typical one semester course are covered including RC circuits, diodes, transistors, op-amps, oscillators, TTL logic, counters, D/A converters and more. There are also chapters explaining how to use the equipment needed for the examples (oscilloscope, multimeter and breadboard) together with pin-out diagrams and manufacturers' specifications for all the key components referred to in the book.

Customer Reviews:

Impractical for the hobbyist.......2006-11-04

This book is well thought out, organized, and thorough. It provides excellent hands-on exercises that help you to really understand in a functional way how electronics work. The mathematical explanations and exercises may be challenging to folks who haven't used their college calculus/algebra/trig skills in a while (me included) - though they will serve those seeking to understand the underlying fundamental calculations.

With all those positives, why a 3 star rating? Well, the book assumes that you have ready access to a ~$1,000 oscilloscope and a ~$500 proto-typing bread board. On top of that, you need all of the bits and pieces to actually do the experiments - those are relatively cheap, but not always readily available (at a local store). All of the required equipment and supplies can be obtained on-line, but it will take a concerted effort, a chunk of cash, and some lead time to get all of this stuff. There are alternatives to the expensive oscilloscope and proto-board, but this path requires some assumed additional knowledge and may prove challenging as it deviates from the proscribed curriculum.

My final thought on this book is that it is quite excellent in a classroom / lab setting, but is not very "practical" for the hobbyist.

Cardiovascular MR Imaging: Physical Principles to Practical Protocols

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Cardiovascular MR Imaging: Physical Principles to Practical Protocols
Vivian S Lee
Manufacturer: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0781779960

Book Description

This text equips radiologists with a firm working knowledge of the physical principles underlying cardiovascular MR image generation. Emphasis is on practical applications of MR physics in customizing and optimizing imaging sequences and protocols and minimizing artifacts.

Section I covers basic principles of MR physics and includes a chapter on safety. Section II applies these principles to vascular imaging, including gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography. Section III examines various techniques and applications of cardiac MR imaging.

Each chapter includes boxed Key Concepts, Challenging Questions, and Review Questions, and many chapters include sample protocols. More than 400 drawings and scans complement the text.

Average customer rating:

Practical Nuclear Medicine

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 185233875X

Book Description

Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in patient care, and this book is an essential guide for all practitioners to the many techniques that inform clinical management. The first part covers the scientific basis of nuclear medicine, the rest of the book deals with clinical applications. Diagnostic imaging has an increasingly important role in patient management and, despite advances in other modalities (functional MRI and spiral CT), nuclear medicine continues to make its unique contribution by its ability to demonstrate physiological function. This book is also expanded by covering areas of development in nuclear medicine, such as PET, methods of tumor imaging, and data processing. All illustrations for this new edition reflect current standards of image quality.

This practical approach results in a book which is invaluable to the radiologist, physician, physicist, or technologist starting in nuclear medicine but also contains up-to-date advice for the most experienced practitioner.

Musical Instrument Design: Practical Information for Instrument Making

Average customer rating:

Extremely useful and doable, even for a layperson
Excellent
Get this book!
Practical information for practically everyone
Impractical

Musical Instrument Design: Practical Information for Instrument Making
Bart Hopkin
Manufacturer: See Sharp Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1884365086

Book Description

This is an encyclopedic, large-format book containing hundreds of illustrations. While not geared toward making conventional instruments, Musical Instrument Design provides all the information that anyone (amateur or professional) should ever need to construct an amazingly wide variety of percussion, string, and wind instruments. Includes many designs along with parts lists and detailed construction instructions.

Customer Reviews:

Extremely useful and doable, even for a layperson.......2007-07-16

This book has very useful information on essentially all types of instruments, even keyboard-ish instruments. These instruments are definitely NOT little kiddy playthings - I wouldn't recommend getting it for your ten-year-old - but can be constructed even by those who don't have a plethora of equipment and supplies. Quite absorbing, especially for those who wish to make a wide variety of playable-quality instruments. Also, one can easily improvise. Very highly recommended!

Excellent.......2007-05-29

Valuable, enjoyable and an interesting read and reference. I would replace it if I lost it.

Get this book!.......2007-03-03

These projects will get your kids off the streets and provide hours of fun for you and your whole family, as you reinvent your own voice. Passive listening to music may relax you, but actively participating in the creation of your very own sounds is therapeutic and will lift up your heart and make your soul sing. Put your iPods in the closet. When was the last time YOU made the music?

Practical information for practically everyone.......2006-03-28

If what you want to do is make a guitar or violin from scratch, there are better books than this one. However, if you want to understand how and why musical instruments of all kinds are built the way they are, this book has you covered. There's information on instruments that are percussive, stringed (both plucked and bowed), and blown into. Most useful are the tips on how to get these things tuned in such a way that they are useful for making music.

Check out the "windworld" web site for some examples of the experimental instruments Hopkin has created.

The book contains information on building materials (with tips on where to get them), music and sound theory, and some history when relevant to an instrument he is trying to emulate. It's certainly not exhaustive, but gives you just enough to get your creativity flowing. I would have liked to see more illustrations and or photographs showing the assembly of some of these instruments, but that's not to say that the book isn't already full of illustrations. I just want more.

One other thing to note is that this isn't a book about making toys for kids. No pie plate tambourines here. This is 175 pages of serious information and ideas, a bargain at this price.

Impractical.......2005-08-19

This book should be titled "The Physics of Musical Instruments." I was hoping to get info to help me design a new Belizean form of Ukulele, and it was no help at all. Info on the resonance of stringed instruments is sketchy at best. The book concentrates on the characteristics of sound, using a instruments (actually experiments) such as a metal cylinder balanced on a couple of balloons. Mildly interesting but not relevant for me.

Average customer rating:

The essential reference work on gamma spectrometry

Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Gordon Gilmore , and John D. Hemingway
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471951501

Book Description

Gamma-ray spectrometry is a key technique in the study of the decay of radioactive materials. Used by scientists from a wide range of disciplines, problems can be encountered by the inexperienced user because there is a deceptive simplicity in gamma-ray measurements which can hide significant pitfalls. To resolve this situation, the authors of Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry have drawn on many years of teaching experience to produce this uniquely practical volume, giving comprehensive coverage of the whole gamma-ray detection and spectrum analysis processes. Discussions of the origin of gamma-rays and the issue of quality assurance in gamma-ray spectrometry are also included. Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry is written with the user in mind and has the following benefits:

Mathematics are kept to a minimum throughout.
No previous knowledge of nuclear matters or instrumentation is assumed.
Detectors and their associated electronic systems are discussed.
Fault-finding guide ensures that any problems can be sorted out with the minimum of fuss.

Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry will enable all those involved with radioactivity measurements to get the most from their equipment. It will also be of great value to teachers and students in departments where radioactivity is studied, such as physics, chemistry, environmental biology, archaeometry and radiochemistry.

Customer Reviews:

The essential reference work on gamma spectrometry.......2004-06-04

Gilmore and Hemingway provide the spectrometer user with the wealth of their years experience in assaying gamma samples. Everything from how to set up a germanium crystal spectrometer, how to calibrate, how to count, and how to document for universal acceptance. This is one-stop shopping for gamma spectrometry...including a comprehensive references list at the end of every chapter that provides the reader with their money's worth from this volume.

A Monte Carlo Primer: A Practical Approach to Radiation Transport

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A Monte Carlo Primer: A Practical Approach to Radiation Transport
Stephen A. Dupree , and Stanley K. Fraley
Manufacturer: Springer
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0306467488

Book Description

This book introduces the reader to the use of Monte Carlo methods for solving practical problems in radiation transport, and will also serve as a reference work for practitioners in the field. It assumes the reader has a general knowledge of calculus and radiation physics, and a knowledge of Fortran programming, but assumes no prior knowledge of stochastic methods or statistical physics. The subject is presented by a combination of theoretical development and practical calculations. Because Monte Carlo methods are closely linked to the use of computers, from the beginning the reader is taught to convert the theoretical constructs developed in the text into functional software for use on a personal computer. Example problems provide the reader with an in-depth understanding of the concepts presented and lead to the production of a unique learning tool, a probabilistic framework code that models in a simple manner the features of production of Monte Carlo transport codes. This framework code is developed in stages such that every function is understood, tested, and demonstrated - random sampling, generating random numbers, implementing geometric models, using variance reduction, tracking particles in a random walk, testing the thoroughness with which the problem phase space is sampled, scoring detectors, and obtaining estimates of uncertainty in results. Advanced topics covered include criticality, correlated sampling, adjoint transport, and neutron thermalization.
Monte Carlo codes can produce highly precise wrong answers. The probability of this occurring is increased if production codes are run as opaque, `black boxes' of software. This text attempts to make Monte Carlo into a comprehensible, usable tool for solving practical transport problems. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and researchers who wish to expand their knowledge of the Monte Carlo technique.

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